10 Most Expensive Presidential Perks

The White House is one of the most recognizable symbols of presidential prestige and power. Originally built in 1800, the illustrious residence has gone through many transformations. Today, it has 132 rooms and 35 bathrooms [source: White House]. In addition to the West Wing, which contains administrative offices, the mansion also has a personal movie-screening room and even a bowling alley. The 18 acres of grounds include a swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts, jogging track and putting green.

Despite the cushy facilities, most people are even more impressed with the scope of services the White House provides. In addition to cleaning, laundry and errands of all kinds, various staff members are always at the beck and call of the president and first family for whatever they need. Aside from administrative assistants who tend to business needs, the White House staff includes groundskeepers, florists, valets and butlers, a pastry chef and 24-hour cooking staff.

Added up, all these domestic perks amount to a pretty penny. The flowers alone, which adorn every room as well as dot the grounds, cost an estimated $252,000 per year [source: Kessler]. Annually, upkeep for the White House costs approximately $4 million [source: Channel One].

In addition to the general staff that comes with the grounds, the president also has personal attendants to see to any need that may arise -- including medical issues. Read on to learn about the commander in chief's personal staff.